A ceiling drip can be a stressful sight. It is vital that you select a roof sealant that is specially formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions so you can rest assured it will protect your roof. Elements such as rain, ice, and sunlight can wreak havoc on exterior roof joints and surfaces. In this guide, we explain how to find leaks and properly seal them.
There are many available options for roof sealants but you have to be thorough in comparing each product to find the right fit for your project. Sealants come in different types. The most common are acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane.
Acrylic and polyurethane are two sides of a coin. Acrylic sealant formulations are great for protecting a roof from sun damage but don’t do well in handling moisture while polyurethane sealant formulations are strong against water damage but are weak against UV rays from the sun. Silicone sealant formulations, on the other hand, are resilient against both moisture and UV rays but can be quite expensive.
If you are in an area where rain is frequent, opt for silicone or polyurethane. Most products will offer protection against water but not all of them are completely waterproof so be sure to check the label. Some products would also require multiple coatings to achieve complete waterproofing.
It is important to note that roof sealants are the best solution for small to mid-sized applications for diverting water or plugging holes and cracks; large damaged areas may require a more complex repair. Always consider the size of the project before making your decision.
Finding the source of a roof leak can be challenging, but it is vital. First, assess where the leak is located in your home. Remember, water may travel from a different location depending on the architecture.
Once you have an idea of where the leak is coming from, the safest option is to go up into your attic space. Look for black areas or mold because they are typically strong indicators of water leaks. Go outside and check the shingles/roofing in that area. In flat sections of the roof, keep an eye out for misplaced shingles, standing water, mold buildup, or rotting sections.
The most common type of roof leak is caused by an object that penetrates the roof, such as your chimney, roof vents, or anything else that passes directly through the roof. Small gaps and holes caused by objects penetrating the roof can be repaired easily with LePage Polyfilla Spackling Big Hole Repair.
After you have identified the source of a small leak, you can begin filling it with roof caulk. For larger repairs, you can use the sealant on new joints and materials as needed. Before application, ensure that the joint you wish to apply sealant to is dry, clean, and free of any debris. It should also be structurally sound. Although the sealant is flexible, it is not intended to serve as an adhesive.
To kick it up a notch, if you need to bond wood on your roof, consider using LePage PL Premium Construction Adhesive.
Steps for repairing a roof leak with caulk:
Before conducting any roof repair, make sure you have all the needed tools with you before starting.
Selecting the right sealant for the job is critical. Over time, structures shift and flex, which means it’s important to have a roof seal that can do the same. LePage QUAD Window, Door & Siding Sealant is specially formulated to flex and move with your roof, so it will not tear or rip. On top of that, it is made to stand strong in harsh weather conditions and provide long-term protection. This makes it the ideal sealant for heavy-duty outdoor sealing.
For general seals around the home, LePage PL Heavy Duty Sealant can take on the majority of jobs. It is a great multipurpose sealant that works on both interiors and exteriors and wood.
Wondering if a multipurpose silicone-based sealer might do the trick as well? The answer is no. Silicone caulks are a good choice for indoor projects that require sealing.
